THE IMPACT OF GHANA SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME ON GIRLS’ ENROLMENT AND ATTENDANCE IN ST. CECILIA PRIMARY ‘A’ SCHOOL, SOMBO IN WA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

This study seeks to assess the impact of Ghana’sSchool Feeding Programme on girls’ enrolment and attendance in St. Cecilia Primary ‘A’, Sombo in the Wa Municipality. Using a mixed design strategy, primary data were obtained from the Chairperson of Ghana School Feeding Programme Implementation Committee, Head Teacher and Teachers in St. Cecilia Primary ‘A’, Sombo, Girl Students and Parents of school girls in St. Cecilia Primary ‘A’, Sombo in the Wa Municipality. The result indicated that the programme has influence girls’ enrolment and attendance in St. Cecilia Primary ‘A’, Sombo. The Ghana School Feeding Programme was implemented in 2012 in the school. Besides, the meal provided for the girl students cuts down household expenditure on education for girls. The programme also reduces the incidence of sexual activities among girls. This occurs through its effects of reducing short term hunger that pushes girls into sexual activities to get money and buy food during school hours. Moreover, the programme motivated parents to enroll and keep their girls in the school by generating direct or indirect livelihood sources for them. By empowering parents and providing meals for girls during school socio-economic challenges such as poverty and sexual harassment which affects girls’ enrolment in the school hasbeen minimized. The study recommends that the management of the programme should give special attention togirls in the school. Strong collaboration among key stakeholders is also recommended to support the school feeding programme. Keywords:Ghana School FeedingProgramme, Girl’s Enrolment, Girls Attendance, St. Cecilia Primary ‘A’, Sombo, Wa Municipality.